But first, let's make one more lap of the auto world with a Friday edition of Autoweek TV. Here we go:

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All the wraps have come off the redesigned BMW 3-series.

This is the sixth generation of the car that's the core of BMW's lineup. We'll see it live at the Detroit auto show in January, just before it goes on sale next spring.

Here are some of the highlights:

-- The new 3-series is a bit longer than the current car. A two-inch stretch in the wheelbase delivers more room for back-seat passengers.

-- BMW says that despite being larger, the average weight of the new car is down about 80 pounds. Use of more aluminum and high-strength steel helps in that department.

-- The base engine is BMW's turbocharged N20 four-cylinder, rated at 240 hp. A turbo six is an option. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

-- And finally, BMW has switched from MacPherson struts to double wishbones for the front suspension.

You can find plenty more details about the F30 3-series at autoweek.com.

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Toyota is ready to go sports-car racing again.

The Japanese automaker says it will compete at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new LMP1 car, powered by a gasoline-hybrid powertrain.

The race operation will be based at Toyota's former Formula One headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

It will use an in-house design for the car. Toyota says it also plans to run several races in the new World Endurance Championship.

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The annual SEMA show in Las Vegas is on the horizon, and Hyundai will blow into Las Vegas with a tricked-out Genesis coupe.

The Genesis Hurricane SC packs a supercharged and intercooled V6 that cranks out more than 450 hp.

Hyundai's U.S. tech center has worked with Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing and Torvec to massage the Genesis coupe.

We'll bring you a closer look in just a couple of weeks from the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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And now, back to BMW. Sure, the new 3-series is the top of today's news. But BMW has also given the M5 sedan a makeover. Here with the details is executive editor Roger Hart.

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Thanks, Roger.

Don't forget--Dan Wheldon makes his run for $5 million on Sunday at the IndyCar finale in Las Vegas. Can the Indy 500 winner come from the back of the field and grab the cash? And will the championship go to Dario Franchitti or Will Power? Keep up with all of the racing news this weekend at autoweek.com.

Now, it's time to go grab some fresh apple cider and donuts.

Have an awesome weekend. We'll be back on Monday. And remember--enjoy the drive.